One and two star disappointment in latest African crash tests
Global NCAP’s new #SaferCarsForAfrica crash results reveal a disappointing two star occupant safety rating for the Kia Pegas and Renault Triber and only one star for the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Global NCAP’s crash test protocols assess frontal and side impact protection for all models, as well as Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Pedestrian protection and side pole impact protection assessments are required for vehicles scoring the highest star ratings. More information on the protocol requirements can be found on the Global NCAP web site: https://www.globalncap.org/resources
The #SaferCarsforAfrica project is run in collaboration with the AA of South Africa and receives grant support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the FIA Foundation.
Alejandro Furas, Global NCAP Secretary General said,
“We are disappointed to see global brands like Renault, Kia and Maruti Suzuki offer such a low safety performance in markets like South Africa whilst achieving much higher levels of protection in many other global markets. Don’t African consumers deserve the same level of safety?”
David Ward, Executive President of the Towards Zero Foundation said,
“The double standard on safety in low and middle income economies must come to an end. Manufacturers know how to build safer cars for adult and child occupants as well as for vulnerable road users. Highlighting this disparity and democratising vehicle safety in Africa is a Global NCAP priority.”
Sikkie Kajee, Chairman of the Automobile Association said,
“We remain concerned at the low ratings received from the manufacturers, but we are confident they will use these results to improve their safety moving forward. Issues with double-standards persist in relation to vehicles made for Africa but, again, we are assured these matters are being addressed and are confident that in the future, we will see less discrepancies than what we currently do.”
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (2 airbags standard)
The India made Ertiga offers two frontal airbags as standard. Its structure was rated as borderline unstable. Its footwell area was rated as unstable and pedal displacement showed injury risks to the lower legs of the driver. Head and neck protection for adult occupants was good. Chest protection for the passenger was good and the driver’s chest received marginal protection.
Side impact protection showed good protection for head, pelvis and abdomen, with adequate protection for the chest. The Ertiga does not offer side airbags even as an option.
Passenger pretensioner failed to work properly. Child occupant protection was poor for the 18 month old dummy. The Child Restraint System (CRS) was installed in the forward facing position, whilst best practice indicates a rearward facing position offers better protection for this age group. Side impact child protection was good.
The Ertiga only offers a lap belt in the rear centre position which explains the significant points loss in child occupant protection. The passenger airbag cannot be disconnected if a rearward facing CRS is installed in the front seat. The Ertiga offers standard ISOFIX anchorages.
Read the full crash test report
Watch the crash test video
Download crash test images
Renault Triber (2 airbags standard)
The India made Triber showed good protection for the driver’s and passenger’s head and neck but weak protection for the driver’s chest in both frontal and side impact. There was an unstable performance of the structure. The protection offered to the head, abdomen and pelvis on the side impact was good. The car does not offer side airbags even as an option. ESC is not fitted as standard.
The Triber’s child occupant protection showed a lack of ISOFIX anchorages and a poor performance for the Q3 dummy, exposing the head in the forward crash and poor performance for the neck and chest. The protection of the Q1.5 dummy was good in both tests.
The poor performance of the Q3 dummy, the lack of three point restraints in all seating positions and lack of a passenger airbag disconnection when using a rearward facing CRS in that position, explain the poor score and overall star rating.
Read the full crash test report
Watch the crash test video
Download crash test images
Kia Pegas (2 airbags standard)
The Chinese made Kia Pegas offers two frontal airbags as standard. Its structure was rated as unstable. Frontal impact showed good head and neck protection for both occupants, but marginal protection for the chest of both passengers.
Side impact protection also showed marginal protection to the chest, adequate protection of the head and abdomen and good protection to the pelvis. ESC is not available as standard, and side airbags are not available even as an option.
Child occupant protection showed four star performance. Both dummies were installed rearward facing using the ISOFIX anchorages and support leg offering full protection in frontal and side impact tests. The car offers three point belts in all seating positions as standard in all versions. ISOFIX anchorages did not meet Global NCAP’s labelling requirements. It is not possible to disconnect the passenger airbag if a rearward facing CRS is installed in the front seat.
Read the full crash test report
Watch the crash test video
Download crash test images
Note to Editors
The #SaferCarsForAfrica Campaign was launched by Global NCAP in 2017.
Global NCAP is a major programme of the Towards Zero Foundation, a UK based charity working internationally in support of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, with a goal of halving road deaths and injuries by 2030.
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